those first two look like Tropheus - if so they are strict vegetarians FYI
10-10-2009, 01:09 PM
accidental777
Re: Fish tomorrow!
The hard thing about african cichlids, is that most times they are sold in assorted groups. Most times, the fish that are shipped to the store in assortments really should not live together. Some species are just much more aggressive than others. Your best bet would be to either do some research, or to go to a specialty shop for african cichlids. For instance, species from the Melanochromis family are known to be a lot more aggressive than Labidochromis caeruleus or yellow labs.
For now, since you did mention that you were going to upgrade your tank size, I would say that you should add some more hiding spaces than what you have right now. Also, you should have a heater if you don't already have one.
As mentioned above malawi cichlids in the mbuna family are vegetarians, and can die from bloat if not given the correct diet.
Good luck with the fishes!
10-10-2009, 01:11 PM
accidental777
Re: Fish tomorrow!
I also hate it when people say that you have to have a big tank to keep cichlids. This is not completely true. If you spend the time and money and do the research, there are a couple of shell dweller set ups that can work in a ten gallon. Granted, you will not have more than a couple of fish in that tank, it will still work. Lamprologus multifasciatus is more than suitable for a smaller set up, if it is given the right aquascaping and the the shells to live in.
10-11-2009, 08:00 AM
nixer
Re: Fish tomorrow!
my Melanochromis started attacking my yellow labs.
but then again my yellow labs won out in the end.
yes you dont need a 200 gallon tank just the right individuals in the tank.
my Christmas Fulus and my yellow labs get along well.